A clean, satisfying divot often signals a well-struck iron shot, but what you do in the seconds *after* you admire its flight is just as important for the good of the game. Properly caring for the turf you’ve displaced is a fundamental sign of a respectful golfer. This guide will walk you through exactly why it matters, the different types of divots you’ll encounter, and the step-by-step methods to repair them like a pro.
Some golfers might see repairing a divot as an optional chore, but it’s a non-negotiable part of the game for several important reasons. Understanding the “why” makes the “how” much more meaningful.
Think of a divot as an open wound on the fairway. If you retrieve that slice of turf (the “pelt”) and immediately put it back, its roots can re-establish contact with the soil below. Kept moist by rain and irrigation, that grass has a very high chance of survival, healing completely within a week or two. In contrast, an unrepaired divot scar can take weeks, or even months, to heal. In that time, the bare soil is a perfect breeding ground for weeds and undesirable grasses, compromising the quality of the fairway.
There's nothing more frustrating than crushing a beautiful drive down the center of the fairway, only to find your ball resting in someone else's unrepaired divot crater. It turns a perfect lie into an incredibly difficult, unpredictable shot. By fixing your divot, you’re paying it forward. You are ensuring the player behind you gets to play from the same quality surface you enjoyed. It’s a simple act of courtesy that keeps the course fair and enjoyable for all.
Golf is built on a foundation of integrity and honor, which extends to respecting the course itself. The maintenance crew works tirelessly to present the best possible conditions. Repairing your divot is a small way of saying thank you and partnering with them in course conditioning. It shows you care about the game, your fellow players, and the beautiful environment you get to play in. It marks you as a true golfer, not just someone playing golf.
As you play more, you'll notice that not every divot is the same. Recognizing what you’re dealing with is the first step to a proper repair.
This is the one we all love to see. It’s when your club shears off a clean, intact slice of turf that looks a bit like a well-cut beaver pelt. It usually lands a foot or two in front of where your ball was. This is the best-case scenario because the grass is still alive and contains all the necessary components for a speedy recovery. When you create a pelt, you have a living patch ready to be immediately re-planted.
Sometimes, the divot simply disintegrates on impact. It might be due to very dry and brittle turf, overly wet and soft conditions, or sandy soil that just doesn’t hold together. You’re left with a shallow crater and no single piece of turf to put back into it. In this situation, the original turf is gone for good. Trying to piece together shrapnel and dirt won’t work. This is when you turn to the second method of repair: the divot mix.
Armed with your knowledge of divot types, here is the proper procedure for each situation. Your goal is always the same: leave a smooth, level surface that has the best possible chance to heal quickly.
This is your go-to method when there’s no pelt to replace, or when you're on a Par 3 tee box (more on that later). Most golf carts are equipped with a container of divot mix, which is typically a blend of sand, topsoil, and grass seed.
Knowing what not to do is just as important. Here are some common divot-repair fouls that you should avoid.
Repairing your divot is a simple act that powerfully reflects your respect for the game, the course, and fellow golfers. Whether you're carefully replacing a perfect pelt or filling a void with sand and seed, doing it the right way helps keep the course healthy and enjoyable for everyone who plays after you.
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